Talent was on full display inside Presidents’ Hall on the Fitchburg State University campus on Tuesday afternoon. Students from Fitchburg High, Leominster High, North Middlesex Regional, Oakmont Regional and Monty Tech were celebrated for their inspiring work in the university’s annual High School Writing Contest. Student literary pieces were selected by a committee of English Studies faculty at the university, who admired the quality and promise of the writing. “Every time I serve on this committee, I would say one of the best parts is getting the chance to read so much wonderful writing from students,” said Associate Professor Katharine Covino, who co-chairs the contest with Associate Professor Wafa Unus. “This year, we had a truly robust and highly-competitive level of participation, almost double what it was last year. The influx of essays and poetry meant that those of us on the committee had the chance to learn so much more about the lives of students in our area. “Purposefully designed to reflect and reinforce President Donna Hodge’s ‘Year of Momentum,’ this year’s prompt offered innumerable points of access for student writers,” said Covino. “Whether school, sports, family, or mental health – different writers all connected with momentum in different ways. Each piece proved illuminating and enriching – each showcased a different voice and experience. It is always a real privilege to get to know these students through their work.” First-place winners were allowed to read their work aloud if they wanted to do so at the ceremony. Winners received gift cards to the Fitchburg State University Bookstore, as well as certificates of recognition, and had their photos taken with the High School Writing Contest Committee. Winners were also invited to have their pieces published in the Fitchburg State University literary magazine, Route 2, along with selected writing and art contributed by Fitchburg State undergraduate students. Brooke Logan, a first-place poetry winner from North Middlesex, read her poem titled, “Momentum.” After Logan’s reading, she walked back to seat and witnessed her father and sister in tears. “I felt like I made them proud and they were happy for me,” said Logan. Logan said that was the first time her family members heard her poem. “I wanted to surprise them,” said Logan. After the ceremony, students and families were invited to take a brief campus tour. Professor Kisha Tracy, who chairs the English Studies Department, said students should be aware of the opportunities for English majors. “It is one of the most flexible and versatile majors that a student can do as it can prepare them for a number of different careers and jobs, allowing for a wide variety of choices,” said Tracy. “Our students go into education, journalism, media and communications of all kinds, law school, libraries, editing and publishing, public relations, graduate school, museum work and non-profits. The list really is endless. Almost every employer is looking for the skills that we develop: communication, creative and critical thinking, analysis, research, independent thinking, etc. And on top of all that, English Studies is just fun.” Oakmont Regional sophomore Javian Aquino was awarded first place for poetry. Aquino said that what he wrote for the competition was based purely on his experience of growing as a student, beginning as a freshman. “Winning gave me a great feeling of relief, being able to look back and see how far I've grown, and opening my eyes to realize that what I'm writing can be understood and seen,” said Aquino. Aquino said his passion for writing comes from his ability to express himself through writing without having to express it through words. “Writing makes me feel a variety of things depending on what I'm writing,” said Aquino. “I often write poetry with topics like art, freedom, or philosophical views. When I write poetry, I aim to challenge myself and attempt to write poems with different structures, as well as more detail in my wording and line breaks. I have nearly 25 poems in my collection, each with a separate scheme, with the rhyming and wording I use. Not only do I write, but I also use things we learn in creative writing, as we learn them, always getting new ideas down in class and aiming for feedback from both teachers and peers.” Oakmont junior Alana Zappa, who won first place for her essay, said that writing in her life has become not only a passion but an outlet. “Whether it’s escaping the real world by creating a reality of my own or my own personal therapy of releasing challenges I’ve undergone, writing can bring me somber accompanied by comfort as well as feelings of pride and satisfaction,” said Zappa. Zappa’s essay was written directly from the heart. “For the competition, the piece I chose to write broke down some of the struggles I went through,” said Zappa. “Winning this contest felt as if closure was granted, speaking up after so long and being rewarded for doing so.” Oakmont English teacher Mark Nevard ‘04 said that it’s so inspiring to see his students try all types of writing, and eventually his students find their voice. “When we appreciate a piece in class, it makes us feel good, but when a piece is awarded by a professional writing community like the Fitchburg State English Department, it adds an entirely different level of confirmation and accomplishment,” said Nevard. “Each year, I thank FSU for this opportunity. Also, being published in Route 2 and having the opportunity to read your piece at such a meaningful ceremony is a life-long memory and a writing inspiration.” Leominster junior Emma Wood said she was proud to win first place for essay writing. “I’ve never submitted any of my writing before this year, so the idea that I could win something like this is incredible,” said Wood. “I feel very confident in my writing skills and the work that I put into it. The idea of winning is insane.” Students said they were thankful that Fitchburg State showcased their work. “Being recognized by Fitchburg State University felt not only as if I had been seen for my writing, but also in my way to take my most challenging time and turn it into something I can be proud of,” said Zappa. “I hope that anyone who reads my piece understands struggling in silence is never the answer, things will get better, and you are not alone.” “There are so many people like me who like to write and share their feelings – some people who never thought about writing before get this opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings in ways they didn’t before,” said Wood. “This is amazing.” “When I received the letter from Fitchburg State University, having them recognize me for my writing made me feel that my writing has a voice and can be put out into the world to maybe inspire the next writer who's too scared to give it a shot, or with this specific piece inspire a student who wants to slack and take a back seat on their grades move up and take the wheel and thrive,” said Aquino. Fitchburg State alumna Autumn Lombardi '20 '25, now a dedicated teacher at Fitchburg High, was honored by the university’s English Studies Department for her remarkable ability to ignite a lifelong passion for writing in her students. The following students were recognized: Fitchburg High essay: Alynette Diaz (1st), Angieveth Morales Guzman (2nd), Christian Ventura (3rd). Fitchburg High poetry: Jose Brito (1st), Aureliah Edmond (2nd), Dawna Mendes (3rd), Analeise Maldonado and Leah Witzgall (honorable mention). Leominster High essay: Emma Wood (1st), Maia Ramos (2nd), Jaylianiys Collazo (3rd). Monty Tech poetry: Jackson Davis (1st), Colyn Lloyd (2nd), Madi Carroll (3rd), Vanialy Mathieu and Charles Fetzner (honorable mention). North Middlesex Regional essay: Colin Taylor (1st), Cameron Troiano (2nd), Abigail Ouellette (3rd), Kyle Graham and Madison Mitchell (honorable mention). North Middlesex Regional poetry: Booke Logan (1st), Dathan Du (2nd), Asher Denk-Cole (3rd), Noah Mance and Kenneth Vettrus (honorable mention). Oakmont Regional essay: Alana Zappa (1st), Cecilia Maki Morales (2nd), Audrey Hebenton (3rd), Aubrey Chagnon (honorable mention). Oakmont Regional poetry: Javian Aquino (1st), Grace Alatalo (2nd), Emma Goodwin (3rd).

The university will host “Celebrate IPSE Day” on Wednesday, April 29 from 4-6 p.m. on the first floor of Hammond Hall. Inclusive Postsecondary Education Day (IPSE Day) is a day to raise awareness, celebrate college programs for students with intellectual disabilities, and give students a comfortable and fun environment to meet new friends and get to know one another. There will be games and activities, which will help initiate conversations and develop new friendships. PIE at Fitchburg State, Student Development, ACT, CSA, Disability Services, students, faculty, and staff will be participating in IPSE Day. This event is open to the public. To learn more about PIE at Fitchburg State, a Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) initiative.

" The English Renaissance in Music," a collaborative concert event featuring Fitchburg State Choirs, the Christ Church Fitchburg Choir, and professional early music instrumental ensemble Seven Times Salt, will perform at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 26 at Christ Church Fitchburg, 569 Main Street. The concert is open to the public, with a $10 suggested donation for adults and $5 suggested donation for students, but no one will be turned away. The Fitchburg State Choirs, the Christ Church Fitchburg Choir, and professional early music instrumental ensemble Seven Times Salt combine forces to perform music from, and inspired by, the Renaissance era in England. The program includes music by English Renaissance composers like William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, and Orlando Gibbons, as well as Renaissance-influenced works by modern composers like Emma Lou Diemer and Adolphus Hailstork. "This is a beautiful collaboration on beautiful music in a beautiful space, so come and feed your soul,” said Fitchburg State Associate Professor of Humanities and faculty conductor of the Fitchburg State Choirs Jonathan Harvey.

Fitchburg State University President Dr. Donna Hodge is proud to announce the 10 finalists for the Robert V. and Jeanne S. Antonucci Award. As the university’s premier recognition for a graduating senior – named in honor of President Emeritus Robert V. Antonucci and his wife, Jeanne S. Antonucci – this award celebrates graduating seniors who embody the heart and soul of Fitchburg State. While academic and civic achievements are essential markers of a 2026 finalist, this honor transcends traditional metrics like GPA. Instead, the award prioritizes the diversity of the student journey and the resilience of character forged at Fitchburg State. “The Antonucci Award represents the very best of who we are,” said President Hodge. “It celebrates the student journey—those who have navigated adversity, embraced the richness of our diverse community, and led with a passion that inspires others. These finalists aren’t just students; they are the architects of our campus culture.” The Antonucci Award recognizes the exemplary student who has not only reached graduation but has navigated a complex path to get there—transforming personal challenges into leadership that strengthens our entire community. These finalists represent the very best of the Falcon spirit: a profound commitment to the University’s mission and a relentless drive toward both academic and civic success. Selected from a distinguished pool of highly qualified applicants, these 10 finalists have achieved an extraordinary distinction. The candidates will now advance to a formal interview process with members of the President’s Cabinet. Following these sessions, the Cabinet will provide final recommendations to President Hodge to determine the recipient of the Robert V. and Jeanne S. Antonucci Award. The winner, who will be announced at the end of the day on Monday, April 27, will receive a $1,500 honorarium and the distinct honor of delivering the student address during the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16 on the main quadrangle. The 10 finalists will be recognized at the Presidential Garden Gala: An Evening Where the Future Blooms – Fitchburg State University’s second annual black-tie fundraiser – from 5-11 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the Recreation Center, 130 North Street. The Garden Gala program includes a cocktail reception and dinner, followed by the community awards ceremony and an evening of dancing. Honorees will include President Emeritus Robert V. Antonucci and Jeanne S. Antonucci; the Center for Italian Culture at Fitchburg State; and 2016 alumna Stephany Infante, now a member of the Lawrence City Council. Tickets and sponsorship information may be found at fitchburgstate.edu/gala2026 . While one student will ultimately take the stage at Commencement, all 10 finalists represent a powerful cross-section of the Fitchburg State experience: Madison Ambrogi , of Templeton, is a dual Biology and Environmental & Earth Science major with minors in Chemistry and Geographic Information Systems. She served as lead intern for a three-year community service initiative to mitigate the "digital equity gap," has tutored for three years, and participated on multiple panels during Future Falcon Days. Julia Arena , of Shrewsbury, is an Exercise and Sports Science major with a concentration in Clinical Exercise Physiology and a minor in Biology. A former collegiate cross country and track athlete, she holds the titles of Lead Resident Assistant and Presidential Ambassador Emeritus. Arena founded the campus's Give and Go program, which recycles dorm items between departing and incoming students. As a junior, she represented the Exercise Science Department in the New England American College of Sports Medicine (NEACSM) College Bowl and was honored with the Leadership in Exercise and Sports Science Award for academic excellence and research in the field. Michael Burns , of Worcester, is a History major with a minor in Political Journalism. He served as president of the Student Government Association for two years and Managing Editor of The Point newspaper. Burns was also an inaugural Presidential Ambassador, a Peer Mentor & Tutor in the ACT Center, and a four-year varsity athlete in cross country, indoor, and outdoor Track & Field. Matthew Gill , of Ayer, is an English Studies major with a concentration in English Initial License (5-12) and a minor in Middle and Secondary Ed (5-12). Gill served as a Student Board of Trustee and a Presidential Ambassador Emeritus. Working with Dr. Katharine Covino (English Studies), Gill created an actionable research Presidential Ambassador/Fellow project focused on student sense of belonging at the university. He was also a Research Assistant and Teaching Intern, President of the Student Education Association of MA – Fitchburg Chapter, and a three-year athlete in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track and field. Amanda DeLeon Guimareas , of Leominster, is an Interdisciplinary Studies major with a Pre-Law concentration and a minor in Political Science. She advanced to the second day of the Moot Court National competition after winning the Regional Competition in November, receiving an orator award for speaking. Guimareas was also selected to receive the Outstanding Pre-law Student award. Autumn Hughes , of New Ipswich, N.H., is a Creative Arts Therapies major with a music concentration. She is a founding member of the Falcon Bands E-Board, served on the choir E-Board, is the assistant music director for the musical theater club, and tutors in the ACT Center. Geybrell Liriano , of Lawrence, is a Psychological Science major. He is a Presidential Ambassador, an Office Assistant and Community Desk Assistant for the Housing Office, an Orientation Leader, and a Summer Residential Assistant. He is also an Upward Bound Math & Science Resident Counselor and Tutor, the Secretary and an Actor for the Musical Theater Club, the Historian for Alpha Alpha Alpha —a first-generation student honor society– and a Chamber Choir member. Evan Pritchard , of Fitchburg, is a non-traditional dual Computer Science and Mathematics major with concentrations in Cybersecurity and Applied Mathematics. He also works full-time on campus as a Maintainer 1. Pritchard collaborated with staff and faculty to create an internship so he could tutor without pay and is known for helping his fellow students. Trenton Skaggs , from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, is a dual major in Business Administration and Economics, with a minor in International Studies. He is the President of the Business Honors Society, Captain of the men’s ice hockey team, and serves as a member of both the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Dean’s Advisory Council. Charles Stevenson , of Rutland, is a dual Computer Science and Mathematics major with a concentration in Cybersecurity. Named the Outstanding Mathematics Major and inducted into Pi Mu Epsilon, the Army veteran is a Health and Natural Sciences Student Ambassador who represented the Mathematics and Computer Science departments at Future Falcon Day. He proctored the 45th annual Elizabeth Haskins Mathematics Contest, represented the university nationally at the 2026 Joint Mathematics Meetings, and shared his research and experience at a Board of Trustees meeting in April. The Class of 2026 Undergraduate Commencement will begin at 2 p.m. on May 16, featuring a keynote address by Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. For more information about the commencement ceremony, please visit fitchburgstate.edu/commencement .

The Presidential Garden Gala: An Evening Where the Future Blooms – Fitchburg State University’s second annual black-tie fundraiser – will be held from 5-11 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the Recreation Center, 130 North Street. The Garden Gala program includes a cocktail reception and dinner, followed by the community awards ceremony and an evening of dancing. Honorees will include President Emeritus Robert V. Antonucci and Jeanne S. Antonucci; the Center for Italian Culture at Fitchburg State; and 2016 alumna Stephany Infante, now a member of the Lawrence City Council. Tickets and sponsorship information may be found at fitchburgstate.edu/gala2026. “The Presidential Garden Gala represents a critical investment in the success of our students and the vitality of our institution,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “As we honor the enduring legacy of the Antonuccis, the cultural impact of the Center for Italian Culture, and the leadership of alumna Stephany Infante, we are reminded that our community's support is what allows the next generation of leaders to thrive. This evening is a celebration of that shared commitment to Fitchburg State’s future.” At Fitchburg State, the saxifrage stands as a quiet emblem of strength—thriving in unlikely places, blooming with determination. It reflects the spirit of our students, who pursue their dreams with resilience, creativity, and courage. This year’s Presidential Garden Gala invites the community to be part of that story of growth. An Evening Where the Future Blooms is more than a celebration; it is a commitment to nurturing the next generation. Surrounded by a garden-inspired atmosphere, guests will experience the symbolism of the saxifrage woven throughout the evening—a reminder that even the smallest seed of support can spark extraordinary transformation. The university’s signature community awards are presented to honorees who have made a difference in the lives of Fitchburg State, its students, and the wider community. Community award recipients: The President’s Award for Service to the Institution will be presented to President Emeritus Robert V. Antonucci and his wife Jeanne S. Antonucci. “Bob’s presidency was defined by steady leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and a clear belief in the power and promise of public higher education,” said President Hodge. “He strengthened the foundation of the university and helped position Fitchburg State to endure change while remaining true to its mission. Many of the values that continue to guide this campus today reflect the tone and direction he set during his time here. “The warmth and generosity Jeanne extended to this community mattered deeply,” said Hodge. “She helped create a sense of welcome and connection that made Fitchburg State feel not just like a workplace or campus, but like a community. Her quiet leadership and genuine care for people enriched the university in ways that continue to be felt.” The President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Education will be presented to the Center for Italian Culture, which since 1999 has been one of the university’s most impactful community outreach programs. “The President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Education is reserved for individuals and organizations whose sustained commitment to learning, scholarship, and cultural exchange has strengthened both the university and the broader community,” said Hodge. “The Center for Italian Culture has done exactly that for more than two decades, enriching the intellectual and cultural life of our campus while helping preserve and celebrate an important part of the region’s heritage.” President’s Medallion for Emerging Impact will be presented to Stephany Infante. “This award celebrates individuals whose early accomplishments and forward-leaning leadership signal not just notable achievement, but meaningful promise,” said Hodge. “Stephany embodies that promise. From the moment she arrived at Fitchburg State, she embraced opportunities to serve, to step forward, and to find her voice in pursuit of the greater good. Stephany’s work in student government gave shape to her belief that leadership is first and foremost about listening and lifting up others.”